All You Need to Know Before Selling Your Home

Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future, and getting a permit retroactively can often be significantly more expensive and much more problematic.

By law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to discount their sale price or perform costly repairs before the title can be transferred.

For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits.

Getting your home ready for sale requires diligence. Order a pre-sale termite inspection report. Have a reputable roofer examine the roof and issue a condition report. Address any issues before putting your home on the market.

First-Time Tip: If you get an alarming inspection report on a home you're buying or selling, don't panic. Until you see the whole picture clearly, you're not in a position to determine whether you have a major problem or not. Often, getting a second opinion from another contractor can reveal a more cost-effective solution.

Sometimes, finding the right expert to give an opinion on a suspected house problem is the answer, but it is always good to get two opinions.